Genshin Impact 6.4 Banners: Varka Leads, Major Reruns, and F

Genshin Impact 6.4 Banners: Varka Leads, Major Reruns, and What Players Need to Know

A Major Banner Cycle, a Long-Awaited Debut

Genshin Impact Version 6.4 brings a sharp focus to banners, marking the official debut of Varka—the long-teased Knight of Boreas—in the first phase. This update, slated for release on 2026-02-25 (UTC+8), reshapes player investment and team building, notably for those awaiting strong Anemo supports or aiming for meta-defining freeze and hybrid teams. The tight scope, without a Dornman Port or Lohen launch, raises the stakes for planners deciding whether to pull for immediate value or bank for coming regions.

At a Glance

Version 6.4 Release: 2026-02-25 (UTC+8)
New 5-Star: Varka (Anemo, Claymore) with dual-wield mechanics
Headlining Reruns: Flins (Electro), Escoffier (Cryo), Skirk (Cryo)
No new regions (Dornman Port, Lohen pushed back)
Lantern Rite in progress: 20 Intertwined Wishes via login, Primogems from flagship event
Special Program/Stream: 2026-02-13 (official details on banners, events)

Confirmed: Banner Schedule & Featured Characters

All details below are sourced from official beta datamines and in-game event schedules. Times shown are GMT+8 unless noted.

Banner Phase	Dates (EST, UTC+8)	5★ Characters	Element	Weapon
Phase 1	2026-02-25 → (TBA)	Varka	Anemo	Claymore
Phase 2	TBA (see speculation)	Flins	Electro	Polearm
—	—	Escoffier	Cryo	Polearm
—	—	Skirk	Cryo	Sword

Banner order beyond Varka remains unconfirmed.

Visual Aid (Suggested):

Banner timeline table with character icons; alt text: "Upcoming banner phases for Genshin Impact 6.4, showing Varka, Flins, Escoffier, Skirk."

Varka: Mechanic Breakdown & Team Implications

Varka—a long-anticipated Anemo Claymore—features dual-wielding mechanics. His kit:
– Normal Attacks: Always Anemo damage
– Elemental Skill: Infuses second element (Pyro, Hydro, Electro, Cryo) based on non-Anemo teammates
– Optimal Synergies: Two Hexerei characters, two Anemo, plus two matching elemental support units (e.g., Bennett for Pyro)

Fully unlocking his potential depends on roster depth; current best-in-slot pairs mentioned include Venti, Durin, and Bennett.

Expert Note: Theorycrafters in the current beta view Varka’s damage scaling as moderate, comparable to early Natlan-era units. However, signature weapon synergies and future support releases (see Unconfirmed) may raise his ceiling. For competitive (Spiral Abyss/F2P) players, long-term investment is prudent if entertainment value and vertical growth are priorities.

Should You Pull? Banner Strategy for 6.4

Meta Context:

Varka: Best for vertical investment and high synergy teams. Immediate value limited for players short on Hexerei/Anemo synergies.
Flins: Synergizes with Lunar-Charged/Reaction teams; valuable for those with Columbina/Ineffa from 6.3.
Escoffier & Skirk: Standout picks for Freeze compositions and generalist support (healing, res shred, off-field Cryo damage).

For F2P/Low-Spenders:

Resource Planning: With Lantern Rite giving 20 free pulls and a Primogem influx this cycle, careful consideration against future banners (notably Lohen/Nicole) is advised.
Pity Guidance: No confirmed change to standard 5-star pull rates or mechanics. If chasing constellations or signature weapons, make use of earlygg's tracker guides for optimal value.

Team Optimizations & Flexible Alternatives

Varka Core: Varka + Venti (Anemo) + Durin (Anemo) + Bennett (Pyro) for max dual-element and resonance.
Freeze Core: Escoffier + Skirk + Hydro enabler (e.g. Ayato) for high-control Spiral Abyss runs.
Lunar Reaction Core: Columbina, Ineffa, Flins for specialized event teams.

Tip: Escoffier’s sustainability and Skirk’s high off-field Cryo make them strong horizontal investments for budget teams covering both event content and the Spiral Abyss.

Lantern Rite & Event Roadmap

Active Event: Lantern Rite (runs 6.3 through 6.4)
- Rewards: 20 Intertwined Wishes by daily log-in, substantial Primogems from flagship quests.
- Note: No datamined 4-star reruns for 6.4, but Sucrose may return due to Varka’s Hexerei synergy (Unconfirmed).
Upcoming: Official Special Program on 2026-02-13 will confirm any additional events, 4-star rotations, and detailed patch notes.

Preparation Checklist: Pre-6.4 To-Dos

Farm Enhancement Ores/Wits: If targeting Varka or rerun 5-stars
Ascension Materials: Anemo gems (Varka), Electro/Cryo gems for rereun units
Complete Lantern Rite dailies: Maximize free pull yield
Save Primogems: No Dornman Port/Lohen content = slower gem drip post-6.3
Event artifacts: Spend excess resin on Cryo/Anemo domains for flexibility

Unconfirmed — Subject to Change

Banner Orders: Exact sequence of Flins, Escoffier, Skirk pending; expect details during the Special Program.
Varka Support Synergy: Datamined references suggest Nicole/Lohen may dramatically boost output but are not in 6.4.
4-Star Pool: No featured 4-stars have surfaced; possibility for Sucrose/Hexerei reruns, but nothing official.

Final Takeaways & What’s Next

Version 6.4 is a focused but pivotal patch for roster development in Genshin Impact, featuring Varka’s long-awaited debut and a trio of potent reruns. With Lantern Rite providing significant free pulls, the patch allows for a degree of flexibility—yet patient players may await more meta-breaking units tied to future content drops.

For deeper analysis and evolving tier placement, check out our latest:
– Varka Arrives in Genshin Impact 6.4: Meta Shifts and Pull D
– Genshin Impact 2026 Character Roadmap: What Varka & Sneguroč
– Genshin Impact 6.3 Banners Leaked: Four 5-Stars & New Rerun

All information based on official materials as of publication. Unconfirmed details are subject to revision with the Genshin Impact 6.4 Special Program announcement.